OBITUARY
Joseph J. Autovino, 71, of Elverson, PA was suddenly called to heaven on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 6, 1947 in Bronx, NY, son of Joseph and Josephine “Fanny” (Battista) Autovino. He married Linda G. Fanucchi of Narberth, PA on October 7, 1967.
Joseph served in the US Navy for 4+ years on active duty and studied business at Villanova University. He retired from Lockheed Martin Corporation in 2007 after 38+ years of service to the company holding positions in Systems Integration, Systems Engineering and Information Systems.
As a Christian, and to follow the example set by his father, Joseph felt it was his responsibility to love and care for those in need. He founded “A Friend’s Christmas” at Lockheed in 1987 and saw it grow to serve more than 125 families, 400 children, and 120 seniors with food, clothing and gifts annually. In the effort’s 20th year, Joseph was awarded the Montgomery County Foundation Critical Impact Award for “Innovative Leadership In Support Of Making A Difference In The Lives Of Those Most In Need.” He was thrilled to see that the effort continues to this day through the ongoing dedication of his many colleagues in Management and Data Services.
Joseph also served as the Loaned Executive to the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and as Marketing/Outreach Specialist with Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. Joseph truly lead a charitable life and leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity.
Joseph was a member of Faith Church of Worcester for many years. There he was a founding member of the Faith L.O.V.E. Project, an outreach ministry of the church to communities in Coatesville, PA and acted with the Faith Players, the drama ministry of Faith Church. He was an enthusiastic member of Christian Businessmen’s Connection.
In Elverson, Joseph was a member of Brick Lane Community Church where he served as an usher. In his community, Joseph enjoyed outdoor outings with friends and was a valued member of the Berks Strollers walking group. Joseph was devoted to his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events and music performances.
Joseph is survived by his devoted and cherished wife of 50 years, Linda (Fanucchi); daughter Christine and husband Patrick (Van Tassel), and their children Sadie, Ondine, and Coralie; son Andrew and fiancee Heather (Bachelor Macalis), and their children Aidan, Ben, Justin, Ava and another precious life to be welcomed later this year; sisters Rosemarie (DiFazio) and Mary Cecile; and many nieces and nephews.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter Jeanne; and sister Annette (Iorio).
A memorial service will be held at Brick Lane Community Church, 52 S. Brick Lane, Elverson, PA 19520 at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2018.
Visitations will be held Friday, August 24, 2018 from 5 - 7 p.m. and August 25, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the church.
A luncheon will be served in the fellowship hall following the memorial service.
Interment will be private at Fairview Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Glenmoore, PA at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Joseph’s memory would be greatly honored by donations to one of the following charitable organizations that were near and dear to his heart.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:19-25, NIV
Joe's apartment in the Bronx was the corner building on the right next to the 183rd Street Station of the 3rd Avenue El. His apartment was actually level with the tracks (the 2nd floor). The building in the background was St. Barnabas Hospital, where Joe's mom worked for many years. This photo was taken in 1973, just before demolition of the el. Joe and I lived only a few blocks apart. We walked around the neighborhood growing up in the 1950s. Went to the same school 1952 - 1960 Our Saviours Elementary School, rectory, church and classrooms right on the corner of Washington Ave. and 183rd street. Joe told me a story about when they were shooting the movie The Incident (1967). While the film crew was shooting the scene from across the street, Joe's mother peeked through the blinds. When you watch the movie, pay attention and you can see her arm moving the blinds. Joe and I spent a lot of years together, visiting each other's houses. After we graduated in 1960, we lost contact for many years, until Joe organized these reunions on Arthur Avenue. We met many times in the early 2000s and walked through the neighborhood, reminiscing and taking photos. We revisited Our Saviours and even got a tour of the classrooms. We met in the Arthur Avenue Market and walked across the street to our favorite restaurant. Our last time together was in May, 2017.
A highlight of our time at Faith Church was acting with the Faith Players under the direction of Carol Spacht. I enjoyed playing small roles in a few productions with my dad. My dad is shown here as an officer dealing with a tired and distraught father who has come to collect his son at the precinct.
I found some photos today and figured that a story would be the best way to share to explain. More photos are in the gallery. One of these days I plan to post the videos to YouTube. My dad lovingly transferred VHS to DVD and we had planned to do more. The production quality + noise from the transfer makes it a little difficult to watch but it might be fun for those of us who were young players back then to show snippets to our kids. He enjoyed strolls down memory lane.
